3-star CB Joshua Holland picks USC over Kirby Smart’s Georgia in surprising commitment news

By Aman Sharma

Modified Jul 30, 2024 11:28 GMT

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In a surprising turn of events, three-star cornerback Joshua Holland from Bellflower, California, has committed to USC, turning down an offer from Kirby Smart's Georgia. This decision is surprising given Georgia's strong reputation for nurturing defensive talent and its powerful football program.

Joshua Holland, a standout athlete from St. John Bosco, made his commitment to the Trojans official on Monday. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 170 pounds, Holland is ranked as the nation’s No. 325 overall prospect and No. 30 athlete in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking. His decision comes shortly after visiting the USC campus, along with other top recruits, over the weekend.

"My visit to USC was one of the best visits I've had," Holland told USCFootball.com. "The visit consisted of taking a tour, meeting members of the staff, and also building relationships with coaches."

Holland’s commitment to the Trojans was a much-needed boost after the Trojans lost their 2026 cornerback Dominick Kelly to Georgia on the same day. During the Braves’ spring game, he caught a nine-yard touchdown pass and a 69-yard reception.

Holland is now part of USC’s No. 5-ranked 2026 recruiting class, joining four-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, four-star cornerback Brandon Lockhart, wide receiver Ja’Myron Baker, and defensive back Madden Riordan.

USC commit Dominick Kelly flips commitment to Kirby Smart's Georgia

Kirby Smart has once again flipped another commitment. On Monday, four-star cornerback Dominick Kelly announced his decision to switch his allegiance from the Trojans to the Georgia Bulldogs for the 2026 class. Kelly’s decision marks Georgia’s third major commitment in this cycle.

Kelly had initially received an offer from Donte Williams, who transitioned from USC to become the defensive backs coach at Georgia. This flip follows another notable switch earlier this year when Warner Robins, GA edge rusher Isaiah Gibson, one of the top players in his class, also flipped from the Trojans to Georgia in June.

Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class now includes quarterback Jared Curtis, defensive back Jontavius Wyman, and Dominick Kelly. Interestingly, Buford (Georgia) four-star linebacker Jadon Perlotte, committed to Georgia since December 2022, is rumored to be considering a flip to Trojans by the end of summer.

Perlotte has been active in visiting various schools, including Tennessee, Miami, and Alabama, throughout the offseason. USC insider Scott Schrader has indicated that the Trojans are now favored to land Perlotte, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.